NEW YORK - The city is ramping up efforts to keep New Yorkers with COVID-19 isolated. On Tuesday, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced he hired a "director of isolation" who will help place people in hotel rooms when they need somewhere to stay while distancing from others.

"From the moment it's clear they need that isolation to the moment that they can go home safely, every piece of the equation has to be covered," se Blasio said.

But experts say mental health is an important part of that equation too, especially with increased efforts to keep New Yorkers physically apart.

Dr. Amanda Spray at NYU Langone Health says loneliness can exacerbate underlying mental health conditions including depression and anxiety. Loneliness can also trigger the misuse of substances.    

"We are not meant to be alone, we are social animals we are meant to be with other people," Spray said.

Spray recommends New Yorkers take advantage of technology during isolation. She says regularly video chatting with friends and loved ones can help, especially because sickness can often make people feel vulnerable too.

"I've even been encouraging people to Facetime with family members who might be in the other room, getting creative, leaving notes for people," Spray said.

Spray also recommends utilizing tele-health to schedule therapy appointments and dedicating a space in your home to self care, even if that means a tiny corner in your New York City apartment.

"Therapists often become important people in our lives and continuing that relationship is important," Spray said.

Bottom line is if you are alone, you don't have to be lonely. While the city focuses on physical isolation, Spray says emotional connections are more important than ever.